candy  +  41877 Thu, 12 Aug 04 10:55 AM Idioms always drive me crazy. It's really difficult for me to understand the differences. Break up / break off Could you please explain the difference between the two? Many thanks in advance. candy Joined on Mon, Sep 8 2003 Full Member 396 Difference Between, Idioms

	candy  +  41907 Thu, 12 Aug 04 01:46 PM Hi Guest, Thanks for your reply. In my book, there are some example sentences; "She had to break off with him." "The meeting broke up." .....with these expressions, I'm still confused. It also says; "break up" = finish, end, stop Could you give me some example sentences to make the difference clearer? Thanks for your help. candy Idioms

	David  +  45400 Mon, 13 Sep 04 01:14 PM School breaks up on the 17th December He broke off his engagement from his girlfriend of five years They had a break from studies to celebrate his birthday. Five o'clock time for a break. He broke away from the pack. The coffee shop was broken into last night. The business broke even after three years. David Joined on Sat, Mar 8 2003 Regular Member 664 Idioms

	candy  +  45417 Mon, 13 Sep 04 03:22 PM Hi David, Thanks for the examples. I have a question. "The coffee shop was broken into last night. " What does this sentence mean?.... I can't understand it.... Does it mean the coffee shop collapsed? Or, does it mean someboday(e.g. thieves) broke into the coffee shop? Many thanks in advance. candy Idioms

	candy  +  45540 Tue, 14 Sep 04 02:09 PM Hi ZW, Thanks for your help. ".......a group of singers had broken into song. " I this case, it means "they suddenly had begun to sing" ....?Am I right? (I hope so.) Idioms ....always difficult to understand, and hard to use appropriately..... candy Idioms